JP2009112861A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine having a variable display device for variably displaying a plurality of kinds of symbols according to the game state, capable of significantly enhancing the amusement of the play by varying the content of presentation developed in the variable display device by detecting the position of a player. <P>SOLUTION: The Pachinko machine 1 has distance measuring sensors 40 capable of detecting the position of the player at four corners of a game board 2. The content of presentation developed in a display part 13a of a special symbol display device 13 is varied based on the position of the player detected by the distance measuring sensors 40. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine provided with a variable display device that variably displays a plurality of types of symbols in accordance with the state of the game.

  Conventionally, as a type of gaming machine, a plurality of types of symbols using numbers, letters, pictures, etc. on a variable display device disposed in the approximate center of the gaming board due to the passing of the game ball through the starting port A pachinko machine is known that displays a variably displayed in a predetermined arrangement.

  In this type of pachinko machine, liquid crystal display, cathode ray tube display, dot matrix display, drum-type display, etc. are mainly used as variable display devices, and players are deployed in these variable display devices. He plays games with a thrill of the contents of the production. In general, when a player plays a game, the player plays the game while sitting on a chair placed on the opposite side of the gaming machine.

However, in the conventional pachinko machine, there is no correlation between the contents of the effects developed by the variable display device and the player's action .

Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can dramatically enhance the interest by detecting the player's action. There is to do.

  Means effective for achieving the above object will be described below. In addition, the operation | movement, an effect, etc. are demonstrated as needed.

  The gaming machine according to the present invention is
A display device, a light-emitting component, and a start condition detecting means for detecting a start condition, and performing a variable display on the display device based on the detection of the start condition detecting means, and the display result of the variable display is a predetermined value In the gaming machine that activates the winning means when it becomes an aspect,
  The gaming machine
  Storage means for storing game content and main calculation means for controlling the gaming machine based on the game content stored in the storage means, and determining a variable display type to be executed by the display device. Main control means for outputting a signal based on the determined variation display;
  Sub-control means for controlling the light-emitting component based on the signal from the main control means, comprising a light-emission control storage means in which a plurality of light-emission operation data for performing a light-emission operation with the light-emitting component is stored;
  A detection unit that is electrically connected to the sub-control unit without being connected to the main control unit, and whose detection state changes based on an action of a player facing the gaming machine;
  The main control means and the sub control means are electrically connected so that a signal is output only in one direction from the main control means to the sub control means,
  The sub-control means includes
  Based on the signal from the main control means, the light emitting operation corresponding to the signal is started in the light emitting component,
  The detection state of the detection means during the light emission operation is determined to obtain detection information, and the detection information is determined to determine from the plurality of light emission operation modes that can be executed in the light emission operation performed on the signal. A light emission control means for determining a light emission operation mode to be executed in the light emission operation;
  A light emission operation means for selecting light emission operation data corresponding to the display mode determined by the variation control means from the light emission operation data stored in the light emission control storage means and performing a light emission operation with the light emitting component. Thus, the gist is to change the light emitting operation of the light emitting component based on the operation of the player facing the gaming machine.

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, by providing the detecting means can detect the operation of the player, it is possible to increase interest for games dramatically.

It is a front perspective view which shows the pachinko machine of an Example. It is a front view of the game board of an example. It is a back surface perspective view which shows the pachinko machine of an Example. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure of the pachinko machine of an Example. It is a front perspective view of the distance measuring sensor of an Example. It is a circuit diagram of the distance measuring sensor of an Example. It is a figure which shows the ranging principle of the ranging sensor of an Example. It is a figure which shows the attachment state to the pachinko machine of the ranging sensor of an Example. It is a figure which shows the detection range of the distance measuring sensor of an Example. It is a graph explaining the concept of the reach production determination counter of an Example. It is a flowchart which shows the "reach production control routine" of an Example. It is a figure which shows the change display of each symbol row | line | column displayed on a display part according to the position of the player of an Example. It is the schematic which shows the display part movable mechanism of an Example. It is a block diagram which shows control of the display part movable mechanism of an Example.

  Means 1. A gaming machine comprising a variable display device that variably displays a plurality of types of symbols in accordance with the state of the game and generates a special gaming state that is advantageous to the player when the plurality of types of symbols match one of the predetermined combinations The game machine according to claim 1, further comprising position detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of a player existing on the opposite side of the gaming machine and capable of detecting the position of the player.

  According to the means 1, it is a gaming machine provided with a variable display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols in accordance with the state of the game, and detects the presence or absence of a player existing on the opposite side of the gaming machine in the gaming machine. A position detecting means capable of detecting the position of the player is provided. And it becomes possible to control various devices provided in the gaming machine according to the position information of the player detected by the position detecting means. In particular, if the contents of the effects developed by the variable display device are changed, the interest of the game can be greatly enhanced.

  Mean 2. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the position detecting means is a distance measuring sensor that measures a distance from a player located on the opposite side of the gaming machine.

  According to the means 2, the position detecting means is a distance measuring sensor capable of measuring a distance between the gaming machine and a player located on the opposite side. Therefore, the position of the player can be accurately detected by measuring the distance between the variable display device and the player located facing the variable display device with the distance measuring sensor. In addition, if the distance measuring sensor adopts, for example, an optical distance measuring method, the distance between the gaming machine and the player can be measured in a non-contact manner, so that it does not interfere with the game. .

Means 3. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 and 2, wherein the position detecting means covers the front surface with a transmissive member and detects the position of the player through the transmissive member .

  According to the means 3, since the position detecting means is protected by covering the front surface with a transparent member such as a glass plate or a transparent resin plate, it is possible to reliably prevent mischief or the like from the outside. it can. In addition, since the position detecting means employs an optical distance measuring method capable of measuring the distance in a non-contact manner, the distance from the player can be accurately measured even through the transmission member.

  Means 4. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 3, wherein the position detecting means is attached to the gaming machine so as to form a predetermined angle with respect to the transmitting member.

  According to the means 4, the position detecting means is attached to the gaming machine so as to form a predetermined angle with respect to the transmitting member. This is a measure against the disturbance that the distance cannot be measured accurately when light directly enters from a light source such as a lamp because the position detecting means adopts an optical distance measuring method. By attaching the means to the gaming machine at a predetermined angle, the distance of the player can be accurately measured.

  Means 5. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 4, wherein the position detecting means is provided at a plurality of locations of the gaming machine.

  According to the means 5, the position detecting means is provided at a plurality of locations in the gaming machine. In this way, the position of the player can be accurately detected regardless of the position of the player as long as the player faces the gaming machine.

  Means 6. The variable display device includes a display unit movable mechanism capable of adjusting an angle of the display unit, and the display unit movable mechanism is operated based on a detection result of the position detection unit. A gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 5.

  According to the means 6, the variable display device is provided with a display unit movable mechanism capable of adjusting the angle of the display unit. Then, based on the detection result detected by the position detection means, the display unit movable mechanism is operated, so that the angle of the display unit can be automatically adjusted to a position suitable for the player. In this way, the player can always see the variable display device at the position that suits him, so that the player can play the game comfortably.

  Mean 7 The game machine according to any one of means 1 to 6, wherein the variable display device changes the contents of the effect displayed on the display unit based on the detection result of the position detection means.

  According to the means 7, the variable display device changes the contents of the effect displayed on the display unit based on the detection result of the position detecting means. Specifically, when the player approaches, the reach probability of the reach state is increased, and conversely, when the player moves away, the reach probability of the reach state is increased. In this way, it is possible to change the game effect according to the position of the player, so that the interest of the game can be greatly enhanced by providing the position detecting means.

  Means 8. 8. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 7, wherein the variable display device changes the luminance of the display unit based on a detection result of the position detecting means.

  According to the means 8, the variable display device changes the luminance of the image on the display unit based on the detection result of the position detecting means. Specifically, for example, when the player approaches the variable display device, the luminance of the display unit is reduced, and when the player moves away, the luminance of the display unit is increased. In this way, even if the player approaches or moves away, the image on the display unit can be seen with a certain brightness, so that the player has played a game for a long time But you can play games comfortably.

  Means 9. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 7, wherein the variable display device enters a standby state corresponding to a state in which nothing is displayed on the display unit based on a detection result of the position detection means.

  According to the means 9, the variable display device enters a standby state in which nothing is displayed on the display unit based on the detection result of the position detecting means. In other words, the position detecting means can detect the position of the player and can also detect whether or not the player is facing the variable display device. Thereby, when the player is not facing the variable display device, in other words, when a game is not being played in the gaming machine, the image on the display unit of the variable display device is turned off to enter a standby state. In this way, power consumption can be suppressed when no game is played.

  Means 10. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 9, wherein the detection result of the position detection means is input to a display control board for controlling the contents of effects displayed on the display unit of the variable variable display device.

  According to the means 10, the gaming machine is provided with the game control board for controlling various operations of the game and the display control board for controlling the contents of the effect displayed on the display unit of the variable display device. The detection result is input to a display control board provided in the variable display device. In this way, the position detecting means can be provided without imposing a burden on the game control board.

  Means 11. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 10, wherein an operating state of a gaming component having a light emitting portion provided in the gaming machine is controlled based on a detection result of the position detecting means.

  According to the means 11, based on the detection result of the position detection means, the lighting or blinking state of a gaming component having a light emitting part such as a lamp or LED provided in the gaming machine is controlled. Specifically, the gaming machine is provided with a large number of gaming parts having built-in light emitting parts such as lamps and LEDs in order to enhance the effect of the game, and the lighting or blinking state of the light emitting parts of these gaming parts is described above. Control is performed based on the detection result of the position detection means. For example, when the player approaches, the brightness of the light emitting unit is reduced or the blinking operation is performed quickly. Further, when the player moves away, the brightness of the light emitting unit is increased, or the flashing operation is performed slowly. In this way, by detecting the position of the player with the position detecting means, it is possible to dramatically increase the interest of the game by controlling the light emitting part of the game component.

  Means 12. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 11, wherein a sound of a sound output device provided in the gaming machine is controlled based on a detection result of the position detecting means.

  According to the means 12, the sound of a sound output device such as a speaker provided in the gaming machine is controlled based on the detection result of the position detecting means. Specifically, the gaming machine is provided with a sound output device such as a speaker in order to enhance the effect of the game, and various sounds are produced in accordance with the content of the effect developed from the speaker or the like on the display unit of the variable display device. Is output. And this sound is controlled according to the detection result of the said position detection means. For example, when the player approaches, the volume is reduced or the sound effect is different from the normal time. When the user is away, the volume is increased or the sound effect is different from the normal sound. In this way, by detecting the position of the player with the position detecting means and controlling the sound output device, it is possible to dramatically increase the interest of the game.

  Means 13. In any one of the above means 1 to 12, the gaming machine is a pachinko machine. Above all, the basic configuration of a pachinko machine is equipped with an operation handle, and according to the operation of the handle, a game ball is launched into a predetermined game area, and the game ball is placed at a predetermined position in the game area. As a necessary condition for winning a prize, the identification information variably displayed on the display device is confirmed and stopped after a predetermined time. In addition, when a special gaming state occurs, a variable winning device arranged at a predetermined position in the gaming area is opened in a predetermined manner so that a gaming ball can be won, and a valuable value (not only a prize ball) according to the winning number , Including writing to a magnetic card).

  Means 14. In any one of the above means 1 to 12, the gaming machine is a slot machine. Above all, the basic configuration of the slot machine is “providing display means for confirming and displaying the identification information after variably displaying the identification information string composed of a plurality of identification information, and resulting from the operation of the starting operation means (for example, the operation lever). Then, the identification information is started, and the variation of the identification information is stopped due to the operation of the stop operation button (for example, the stop button) or when a predetermined time elapses, and the fixed identification information is the specific identification information at the time of the stop. Special game state generating means for generating a special game state advantageous to the player as a necessary condition, using coins as a game medium, and requiring a predetermined number of coins when the identification information fluctuates, The gaming machine is configured such that a large number of coins are paid out when the gaming state occurs.

  Means 15. In any one of the above means 1 to 12, the gaming machine is a gaming machine in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are fused. Among them, the basic configuration of the fused gaming machine includes “a display means for confirming and displaying identification information after variably displaying an identification information string composed of a plurality of identification information, and a starting operation means (for example, an operation lever). Due to the operation of the identification information, the variation of the identification information is started, and the variation of the identification information is stopped due to the operation of the stop operation button (for example, the stop button) or when a predetermined time elapses. Special game state generating means for generating a special game state advantageous to the player on the condition that is a specific identification information, using a game ball as a game medium, and a predetermined number when the identification information changes The game machine is configured so that a large number of game balls are paid out when a special game state occurs.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment in which a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter simply referred to as a “pachinko machine”) is embodied will be described in detail based on the drawings. Note that this embodiment is an embodiment of the present invention, and it goes without saying that various forms can be used as long as they belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

  FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the pachinko machine 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 1 includes an outer frame 1A, and a front frame 1B that is provided at the front portion of the outer frame 1A and that can be opened and closed at one side of the outer frame 1A. ing. A glass door frame 1C as a transparent plate door frame is provided on the front side of the front frame 1B so as to be freely opened and closed. A pair of glass plates as a transparent plate are attached to the glass door frame 1C at a predetermined interval in the front-rear direction.

  On the rear side of the front frame 1B (the back of the glass door frame 1C, the inside of the outer frame 1A), a game board 2 is detachably mounted via a resin middle plate (the middle plate is omitted). The game board 2 may be directly attached).

  Further, on the lower side of the glass door frame 1C, the front frame 1B is provided with a front decoration frame 1D that can be opened and closed. An upper tray UD is provided on the front decoration frame 1D. On the other hand, at the lower part of the front frame 1B, a lower tray BD is provided at a position lower than the upper tray UD, and a handle HD is provided corresponding to the game ball launching device. The game ball released from the game ball launching device based on the turning operation of the handle HD is guided to the upper part of the game board 2 by the guide rail, and falls in the game area of the game board 2.

  Further, at the four corners of the game board 2, distance measuring sensors 40 as position detecting means for detecting the position of the player who sits on the facing side of the pachinko machine 1 and plays the game are provided. ing. Since the distance measuring sensor 40 is the gist of the present invention, a detailed description will be given later.

  Next, the configuration of the game board 2 will be described. FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board 2. As shown in the figure, the game board 2 of the pachinko machine 1 is provided with an operation port 3 and a prize winning port 4. The operation port 3 includes a passage for the game ball 5, and a blade 6 is supported at the passage entrance so as to be opened and closed. A seesaw 7 is provided in the back of the grand prize winning opening 4, a V zone 8 is provided on the right side thereof, and a winning path 9 is provided on the left side (the right and left may be reversed). Then, the game ball 5 that has won the grand prize opening 4 rolls on the seesaw 7 and is guided to a winning ball processing apparatus (not shown) through either the V zone 8 or the winning path 9. A shutter 11 is provided in front of the special winning opening 4. The shutter 11 is actuated by a special prize opening solenoid 12 provided on the side of the special prize opening 4 to open and close the special prize opening 4. Specifically, when the corresponding solenoid 12 is in an excited state, the shutter 11 is inclined substantially horizontally, thereby opening the special winning opening 4. Further, when the solenoid 12 is in a non-excited state, the shutter 11 is in a substantially vertical state, whereby the special winning opening 4 is closed.

  A seesaw solenoid 10 is provided on one side of the special winning opening 4. The seesaw solenoid 10 is normally in a non-excited state, and in this state, the seesaw 7 is tilted so that the game ball 5 passes through the V zone 8. Further, when the seesaw solenoid 10 is energized, the seesaw 7 is tilted so that the game ball 5 passes through the winning path 9. In the present embodiment, when at least one game ball 5 passes through the V zone 8 with the shutter 11 open, the seesaw solenoid 10 is excited. When the shutter 11 is closed, the seesaw solenoid 10 is in a non-excited state.

  A special symbol display device 13 as a variable display device is incorporated in the central portion of the game board 2. The special symbol display device 13 includes a display unit 13a including a liquid crystal display (LCD), on which a plurality of symbol rows are displayed. As shown in FIG. 2, in the present embodiment, three symbol sequences, left symbol sequence 14, middle symbol sequence 15, and right symbol sequence 16, are displayed as these symbol sequences. A column may be displayed.

  In addition, a normal symbol display device 51 is provided on the upper portion of the special symbol display device 13. The normal symbol display device 51 has four holding lamps 52 made of light emitting diodes (LEDs) and a 7-segment display portion 53 made of LEDs which are normal symbol display portions.

  Further, a pair of passing gates 54 are disposed on the left and right sides of the special symbol display device 13. When the game ball 5 passes through the passing gate 54, the normal symbol display device 51 operates. In the present embodiment, the normal symbol display device 51 variably displays a number from “0” to “9” and displays the segment on the 7-segment display unit 53, and the number is a predetermined value (in this embodiment, “ 7 "), the blade 6 of the working port 3 is opened for a predetermined number of seconds. Due to this opening, winning to the operation port 3 becomes relatively easy. The normal symbol display device 51 can store the number of times the game ball 5 has passed through the passage gate 54 up to four times, and the hold lamp 52 displays the hold number. Accordingly, even if the game ball 5 passes through the passing gate 54 with the four holding lamps 52 lit, it is not counted as a holding ball, and as long as the holding lamp 52 is lit, the gaming ball 5 remains in the passing gate 54. Even if it does not pass through, the normal symbol display device 51 is operated as many times as the number of holdings.

  In addition, holding lamps 18 a, 18 b, 18 c, 18 b made of light emitting diodes (LEDs) are incorporated above the display unit 13 a of the special symbol display device 13. The hold lamps 18a to 18d are for storing the number of symbol fluctuations that are variably displayed on the display unit 13a of the special symbol display device 13, and the number thereof is four. The hold lamps 18a to 18d are turned on every time the variable display is held, and are turned off when the variable display corresponding to the hold is executed.

  In the present embodiment, the game board 2 includes a through switch 20, an operating port switch 21, a V zone switch 22, and a count switch to detect the gaming state of the pachinko machine 1 that changes in accordance with the player's operation. 23 etc. are respectively attached. The through switch 20 detects passage of the game ball 5 through the passage gate 54, and the operation port switch 21 detects winning of the game ball 5 to the operation port 3. Further, the V zone switch 22 detects a winning in the V zone 8 of the big winning holes 4 of the game ball 5, and the count switch 23 detects a winning in the big winning hole 4 of the game balls 5.

In this embodiment, based on the detection results of the switches 20 to 23, the solenoids 10 and 12, the special symbol display device 13, the holding lamps 18a to 18d, the normal symbol display device 51 (the 7-segment display unit 53 and the holding lamp 52). In order to drive and control the blades 6 and the like, a control device 24, which will be described in detail later, is provided.
In addition, other various lamps and electrical decoration members for enhancing the gaming effect are attached to a plurality of locations of the pachinko machine 1. These electric decoration members and the like are each reduced or lit in a predetermined manner. Further, the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a speaker or the like that generates sound effects as the game progresses.

  Next, the configuration of the back surface of the pachinko machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a back view of the pachinko machine 1. As shown in the figure, a middle plate 25 is mounted on the back surface of the pachinko machine 1, and the game board 2 is detachably mounted on the middle plate 25. A synthetic resin mechanism plate 26 is mounted on one side of the middle plate 25 so as to be openable and closable.

  A ball tank 27 for storing a game ball to be discharged as a prize ball is provided at the upper part of the mechanism plate 26. With the pachinko machine 1 installed on the game machine installation island, the game ball is stored from above. 27. Under the ball tank 7, induction baskets are formed, and tank rails 28 are provided to allow game balls to flow down to the baskets, and the downstream end of the tank rail 28 is provided with a prize ball through a curve basket 29. Connected to device 30.

  A control device 24 on which a game control microcomputer or the like is mounted is disposed on the left portion of the mechanism plate 26, and the central portion of the mechanism plate 26 is used to protect the back surface of the special symbol display device 13. The protective cover 31 protrudes. Also, a prize ball payout device 30 for paying out a prize ball is provided on the right portion of the mechanism plate 26. A launching device 32 for launching a game ball is mounted below the mechanism plate 26 and at the lower left portion of the outer frame 1A. In addition, an external connection terminal 33 having terminals for outputting various information related to the game to the outside of the gaming machine is installed at the upper right corner of the mechanism plate 26.

  Next, control of the pachinko machine 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the pachinko machine 1. As shown in the figure, the pachinko machine 1 includes a control board 24 that controls the game contents described above and an image control board 17 that is provided in the special symbol display device 13 and controls the display contents displayed on the display unit 13a. Is done.

  The control board 24 includes a read only memory (ROM) in which game contents are stored, and a microprocessor and an input / output device (I / O) for executing the memory. A through switch 20, a working port switch 21, a V zone switch 22, a count switch 23, and the like are connected to the input side of the input / output device (I / O). On the output side, an image control board 17, a seesaw solenoid 10, a prize winning solenoid 12, and the like are connected.

  The image control board 17 is connected to a video display processor (VDP) 34 and a sub CPU 36 that operates a sound source (audio IC) 35 such as a sound effect in response to a command from the control board 24, and the video display processor 34. A read-only image data memory (ROM) 37 for storing image files, a read-only audio data memory (ROM) 38 for storing audio files connected to the sound source 35, and an audio output of the sound source 35 are amplified to generate a pachinko machine 1. It comprises an amplifier 39 that drives a speaker 19 provided on the front side of the. In addition, four distance measuring sensors 40 are connected to the sub CPU 36, and player position information detected by each distance measuring sensor 40 is input to the sub CPU 36.

  An image data ROM 37 connected to the video display processor 34 stores image files relating to games such as a plurality of types of special symbols. The sound ROM 38 connected to the sound IC 35 stores sound files such as sound effects used for games. The sub CPU 36 controls the files stored in the image data ROM 37 and the sound ROM 38 based on the position information of the player detected by the distance measuring sensor 40. This control will be described later.

  Next, the configuration of the distance measuring sensor 40 and the principle of distance measuring, which are the gist of the present invention, will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the distance measuring sensor 40, FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing the electrical configuration of the distance measuring sensor 40, and FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the distance measuring principle of the distance measuring sensor 40.

  First, the configuration of the distance measuring sensor 40 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the distance measuring sensor 40 includes a case body 40a having an external shape, an LED 40b for projecting position detection beam light, and a beam projected from the LED 40b. A position detection element (PSD) 40c for receiving light, a distance measurement IC 40d for controlling the LED 40b and the position detection element (PSD) 40c, and a lens 40e provided in front of the LED 40b and the position detection element (PSD) 40c, respectively. , 40f. The LED 40b and the lens 40e form a light emitting unit that emits light for detecting the position of the player. The light is emitted from the light emitting unit by the position detection element (PSD) 40c and the lens 40f. A light receiving portion is formed that receives the light reflected by the player, that is, the light reflected by the player.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the distance measuring IC 40d incorporates an LED drive circuit, a signal processing circuit, an output circuit, an oscillation circuit, and a constant voltage circuit, and the beam is obtained by driving the LED 40b with the LED drive circuit. Light is projected, and the beam light received by the position detection element (PSD) 40c is processed by the signal processing circuit, and the position information is output from the output circuit to the image control board 17. Yes.

  Next, the principle of distance measurement of the distance measurement sensor 40 will be described with reference to FIG. The distance measuring sensor 40 uses the principle of triangulation, and as shown in FIG. 7, the beam light from the LED 40b is projected forward through a lens 40e. Then, the projected beam light is reflected by hitting the reflecting object, and the reflected beam light is received by the position detection element (PSD) 40c. And the distance to a reflector is detected by the detection position of this position detection element (PSD). More specifically, the spot position on the position detection element (PSD) changes as shown in the figure when the reflector is at point A and when it is at point B. The spot position is electrically processed by a signal processing circuit to detect the position (distance) of the reflecting object on a straight line.

  Next, attachment of the distance measuring sensor 40 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the state in which the distance measuring sensor 40 is attached to the lower left corner of the game board 2. As shown in the figure, the game board 2 has an opening 2a for attaching the distance measuring sensor 40. The distance measuring sensor 40 is inserted from the back of the opening 2a, and is attached to both ends of the case body 40a. The flange portion to be provided is attached by screwing with a screw or the like. The depth of the contact surface with both ends of the opening 2a, that is, the flange portion of the distance measuring sensor 40 is shallow on the left side and deep on the right side. For this reason, the distance measuring sensor 40 is attached in a state where it is inclined at a predetermined angle in the center direction of the pachinko machine 1 with respect to the surface of the game board 2. More specifically, as shown in the figure, the pachinko machine 1 is attached in a state of being inclined toward the center of the pachinko machine 1 so that the angle formed between the game board 2 surface and the distance measuring sensor 40 is a predetermined angle. The predetermined angle is about 15 degrees.

  As described above, the distance measuring sensor 40 is attached in a state inclined at a predetermined angle because the beam light projected from the LED 40b has a beam spread of A to C, and this spread of the beam causes the player to This is because the position may not be detected accurately. Specifically, when the distance measuring sensor 40 is mounted so as to be flush with the surface of the game board 2, the position where the light beam reflected by the LED 40b is reflected when passing through the glass is the light receiving portion. The light may enter the detection element (PSD) 40c, which may make it impossible to accurately detect the position of the player. In order to prevent this, if the distance measuring sensor 40 is attached at a predetermined angle, the beam A is refracted in the direction of the arrow when reflected on the glass, and the beam C is also reflected on the glass. Refracts in the direction of the arrow. Therefore, neither the beam A nor the beam C is incident on the position detection element (PSD) 40c which is a light receiving unit, and the position of the player can be accurately detected by the beam B.

  As described above, when the distance measuring sensor 40 is attached to the game board 2, the player's position can be accurately detected by attaching the distance measuring sensor 40 with a predetermined angle with respect to the surface of the game board 2. Here, the case where it is attached to the lower left corner of the game board 2 has been described as a representative example, but the distance measuring sensor 40 attached to the upper left corner, upper right corner, and lower right corner of the game board 2. Similarly, each is attached to the pachinko machine 1 in a state inclined at a predetermined angle toward the center of the pachinko machine 1. Further, as described above, since the distance measuring sensors 40 are attached to the four corners of the game board 2, as shown in FIG. 9, the player over almost the entire game area of the pachinko machine 1. Can be detected. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the area a is detected by the distance measuring sensor 40 at the upper left corner of the game board 2, the area b is detected by the distance measuring sensor 40 at the upper right corner, and the lower left corner. The area c can be detected by the distance measuring sensor 40 at the corner, and the area d can be detected by the distance measuring sensor 40 at the lower right corner. Therefore, if the player is facing the pachinko machine 1, the position can be accurately detected at any position.

  Next, the contents of the effect developed on the display unit 13a of the special symbol display device 13 based on the detection result of the player position detected by the distance measuring sensor 40 will be described. As described above, the detection result detected by the distance measuring sensor 40 is input to the image control board 17. Based on the detection signal from the distance measuring sensor 40, the image control board 17 is configured to perform various effects. These effects include, for example, the symbol variation effect when the left symbol row 14, the middle symbol row 15, and the right symbol row 16 (shown in FIG. 2) start to change, and the left symbol row 14 and the right symbol row 16 are the same. Stop at the symbol and make advance notice in advance of the reach effect when the so-called reach state is reached when the middle symbol row 16 is still changing, the jackpot effect when the jackpot state is reached, the reach state or the jackpot state occurs Although there is a notice effect or the like, here, a reach effect will be described as an example.

  As described with reference to FIG. 4, the image data ROM 37 of the image control board 17 stores various image files relating to the game. In this image file, an image file relating to reach production is also stored. Five reach patterns are set for the reach production of this pachinko machine 1, and these five reach patterns are “normal reach”, “flash reach”, “high speed reach”, “frame advance reach”, “enlarge reach”. There is.

  “Normal reach” stops after the left symbol row 14 and the right symbol row 16 stop at the same symbol, and after the symbol of the middle symbol 15 fluctuates without any change. “Flash reach” stops after the left symbol row 14 and the right symbol row 16 stop at the same symbol, and then the middle symbol row 15 changes while whispering. “High-speed reach” means that the left symbol row 14 and the right symbol row 16 stop at the same symbol, and then stop after the symbols in the middle symbol row 15 fluctuate at high speed. “Frame advance reach” stops after the left symbol row 14 and the right symbol row 16 stop at the same symbol, and after the symbols of the middle symbol row 15 fluctuate while feeding frame by frame. The “enlargement reach” stops after the left symbol row 14 and the right symbol row 16 stop at the same symbol, and then the middle symbol row 15 changes while expanding. Of these reach patterns, “flash reach”, “high-speed reach”, “frame advance reach”, and “enlarge reach” other than “normal reach” are so-called “super reach” and are generally called “normal reach”. “Super Reach” is set so that the expected value of occurrence of a big hit state is higher. Also, among “Super Reach”, “High Speed Reach” is more than “Flash Reach”, “Frame Reach” is more than “High Speed Reach”, and “Expansion Reach” is more than “Frame Reach”. However, the expected value for the occurrence of the jackpot is set high.

  Then, the reach pattern set in this way is determined based on the reach effect determination counter CT provided on the image control board 17. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, a reach effect determination counter CT that is a counter for determining a reach effect is set on the image control board 17. The reach effect determination counter CT updates the value within a predetermined range every predetermined time, and is read as a random number according to a predetermined condition.

  In the reach effect determination counter CT, three tables are set according to the position of the player, and random numbers at the time of big hit and off are set in these tables, respectively. More specifically, there are a table with a player position of 10 to 20 cm, a table with a player position of 20 to 30 cm, and a table with a player position of 30 cm or more. Random numbers are set for the big hit and miss. In addition, these tables are set such that the probability of the appearance of “super reach” increases as the distance of the player is smaller, that is, as the player approaches the pachinko machine 1. These tables are selected based on the player position detection signal from the distance measuring sensor 40.

  Subsequently, according to the flowchart of FIG. 11, the control of the reach effect developed according to the position of the player will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a “reach effect control routine”. As shown in the figure, first, in step 1, it is determined whether or not a big hit. This jackpot determination is determined based on a jackpot counter set on the control board 24. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1, the process proceeds to step S2, and if a negative determination is made, it is determined in step S3 whether or not a reach state has occurred. This reach state occurrence determination is determined based on a reach occurrence counter set on the control board 24. If an affirmative determination is made in step S3, the process proceeds to step S4. If a negative determination is made, in step S5, the symbols of the left symbol row 14, the middle symbol row 15, and the right symbol row 16 are removed and stopped at the symbol. Then, the subsequent processing is temporarily terminated.

  Further, when an affirmative determination is made in step S1, the position of the player is detected in step S2. This can be detected by a detection signal from the distance measuring sensor 40. In step S6, a random value at the time of jackpot of the corresponding player position table is acquired from the reach effect determination counter CT based on the position of the player detected in step S2. Thereafter, in step S7, a reach effect according to the random value acquired in step S6 is performed, and then in step S8, control is performed to display a jackpot symbol. Then, the subsequent processing is temporarily terminated.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S3, the position of the player is detected in step S4. This can be detected by a detection signal from the distance measuring sensor 40. In step S9, based on the player position detected in step S4, a random value at the time of detachment from the corresponding player position table is acquired from the reach effect determination counter CT. Thereafter, in step S10, a reach effect is performed according to the random number value acquired in step S9, and then in step S11, control is performed to display a detach reach symbol. Then, the subsequent processing is temporarily terminated.

  Next, the above “reach effect control routine” will be described in more detail by taking the case of reach as an example. When it is determined by the reach generation counter set in the control device 24 that the release reach has occurred, the signal is input to the image control board 17. Then, the sub CPU 36 of the image control board 17 determines the current position of the player based on a signal from the distance measuring sensor 40. If this player's position is 15 centimeters, for example, the random number value at the time of detachment is acquired from the table of 10 to 20 centimeters of the reach effect determination counter CT. If the acquired random number value is, for example, 999, the effect of “enlarged reach” that is one of “super reach” is developed on the display unit 13a of the special symbol display device 13, and then the middle symbol sequence When the 15 symbols are already stopped, the symbols of the left symbol row 14 and the right symbol row 16 are stopped by a symbol different from that of the left symbol row 14 and the right symbol row 16 to thereby display the detach reach symbol.

  Further, if the position of the player is 40 centimeters, the random number value at the time of detachment is acquired from a table of 30 centimeters or more of the reach effect determination counter CT. If the acquired random number value is 0, the effect of “normal reach” is developed on the display unit 13a of the special symbol display device 13, and then the symbol pattern 14 in the middle symbol column 15 is already stopped. By stopping at a symbol different from the symbols in the right symbol row 16, a detach reach symbol is displayed.

  In this way, the appearance rate of “Super Reach” can be changed depending on the position of the player, so when the player approaches, you can enjoy various reach performances and expect a big hit It is possible to increase the interest of the game.

  As described above, the pachinko machine 1 is provided with the distance measuring sensor 40 capable of detecting the position of the player, and the contents of the effects developed on the special symbol display device 13 according to the detection result of the distance measuring sensor 40. Since the game has been changed, it is possible to dramatically increase the interest of the game.

  Moreover, in the said Example, although the reach effect was demonstrated as a typical example, you may make it change the effect in the change of each symbol sequence 14-16 of the display part 13a with the position of a player. Hereinafter, this will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIGS. 12A and 12B are diagrams for explaining changes in the symbol rows 14 to 16 on the display unit 13a, where FIG. 12A is a state in which the player is in a normal position, FIG. 12B is a state in which the player is approaching, (C) is a state where the player has moved away. As shown in FIG. 12, each of the symbol rows 14 to 16 is composed of a plurality of types and a plurality of symbols, and each symbol is composed of numbers “1” to “8”, respectively. Are arranged in order. Each symbol row 14 to 16 is variably displayed by scrolling each symbol, for example, from top to bottom.

  As shown in (a), in the normal position, that is, the position where the player normally sits and plays a game, the symbols in the symbol rows 14 to 16 displayed on the display unit 13a have a normal size. Fluctuation is displayed. When the player approaches from this state, as shown in (b), the size of each symbol in each symbol row 14-16 displayed on the display unit 13a is made smaller than usual and displayed in a variable manner. Like that. On the other hand, when the player moves away from the normal position, as shown in (c), the size of each symbol in each symbol row 14 to 16 displayed on the display unit 13a is larger than that in the normal time. Increase the display so that it fluctuates. In this way, the symbols in the symbol rows 14 to 16 can be viewed at a constant size regardless of the position of the player, so that the eyestrain of the player can be reduced. In other words, the player can enjoy the effect of being able to play the game comfortably even when playing for a long time. Note that the control of the size of each of the symbol rows 14 to 16 can be realized by controlling the image control board 17 based on the position information of the player detected by the distance measuring sensor 40. .

  Further, in the present embodiment, the reach effect and the effect during the fluctuation of each of the symbol rows 14 to 16 have been described as examples. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when a player approaches, Set the probability of jackpot notice to appear high. Further, when the player approaches, the jackpot probability may be set high.

  Further, the pachinko machine 1 is configured to output various sound effects according to the game, and the sound effects may be changed depending on the position of the player. For example, when the player approaches, the volume of the sound effect is reduced or the sound effect is changed. On the other hand, when the user is moving away, the volume of the sound effect may be increased or the sound effect may be changed. Such control can be realized by setting a sound effect for the player position in the sound ROM 38 shown in FIG.

  In addition, the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a large number of gaming parts having light emitting parts, and the light emitting parts of these gaming parts are controlled to blink or light according to the game. And you may make it change the light emission state of these game components according to a player's position. For example, when the player approaches, the light emitting unit of the game component is blinked. On the other hand, when the user moves away, the light emitting unit of the game component may be turned on. Such control can be realized by inputting a detection signal from the distance measuring sensor 40 to a lamp control board (not shown) that controls the operating state of the light emitting unit of the game component.

  Moreover, you may make it change the brightness | luminance of the display part 13a of the special symbol display apparatus 13 according to a player's position. Specifically, when the player approaches, the brightness of the display unit 13a is reduced. On the other hand, when the user moves away, the brightness is increased. Such control can be realized by providing a control unit for controlling the luminance in the image control board 17 and inputting a detection signal from the distance measuring sensor 40 to the control unit.

  In addition, the distance measuring sensor 40 can detect not only the position of the player but also whether or not the player is present on the pachinko machine 1. Therefore, if the player does not exist in the face of the pachinko machine 1 for a predetermined time, the display of the display unit 13a of the special symbol display device 13 is turned off to be in a standby state, thereby reducing power consumption. At the same time, it can also reduce the cost of the amusement store. Such control can be realized by providing a timer or the like in the image control board 17.

  Furthermore, when a player does not exist in the facing of the pachinko machine 1, the operation which calls in a player may be performed. For example, a message such as “I welcome you” may be displayed on the display unit 13a, or a voice such as “I welcome you” may be output from the speaker 19.

  Next, according to FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, the display part movable mechanism 60 which changes the angle of the display part 13a of the special symbol display apparatus 13 according to a player's position is demonstrated. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating the display unit movable mechanism 60 of the display unit 13 a of the special symbol display device 13, and FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a control unit that controls the display unit movable mechanism 60. As shown in FIG. 13, the display unit movable mechanism 60 includes a gear 60b having a central shaft portion 60a attached to one side of the display unit 13a, a gear 60c engaged with the gear 60b, and the gear 60c. And a motor 60d for driving.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the display unit movable mechanism 60 is provided with a control circuit 60e for controlling the motor 60d. The control circuit 60e is connected to the distance measuring sensor 40 for detecting the position of the player described above, and the position information of the player detected by the distance measuring sensor 40 is input. Then, the motor 60d is driven according to the position information of the player input to the control circuit 60e, and the display unit 13a rotates upward or downward depending on the rotation direction of the motor, and the angle of the display surface can be changed. .

  As described above, the angle of the display unit 13a can be changed by controlling the display unit movable mechanism 60 according to the position of the player. Even if the posture is changed, the display unit 13a does not become difficult to see. Moreover, since the adjustment of the display unit 13a is automatically performed by detecting the player's position by the distance measuring sensor 40, the player can play the game comfortably for a long time without interrupting the game. Can do. It should be noted that a timer may be provided in the control circuit 60e so that the display unit 13a is returned to the initial position when the player does not exist on the pachinko machine 1 for a certain time. Further, in the present embodiment, the adjustment of the vertical angle of the display unit 13a has been described as an example, but the horizontal angle of the display unit 13a may be adjusted.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Pachinko machine, 2 ... Game board, 3 ... Operation opening, 4 ... Grand prize opening, 5 ... Game ball, 13 ... Special symbol display apparatus, 13a ... Display part, 17 ... Image control board, 24 ... Control apparatus, 40 ... distance measuring sensor, 60 ... display unit movable mechanism.

Claims (1)

A gaming machine comprising a variable display device that variably displays a plurality of types of symbols in accordance with the state of the game and generates a special gaming state that is advantageous to the player when the plurality of types of symbols match one of the predetermined combinations In
A gaming machine comprising: a position detecting means capable of detecting the presence or absence of a player existing on the opposite side of the variable display device and detecting the position of the player.

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